Tuesday, August 16, 2016

MeterUp for Media's parking issues? Media's politicians would have to understand technology first.

I'm not sure how many times Media's politicians are going to switch out the parking meters on State Street, but after four years of me advocating smart kiosks, they still don't get it. Whether it's adding solar parking meters that didn't receive enough sun, or allowing payment by credit card that never really worked; they're attempting yet another swap out.  I think it's the third attempt in so many years. It's hard to gauge just how much this has cost taxpayers, let alone the inconvenience of it all.



Meter Up from Oren Kramek on Vimeo.

18 comments:

  1. Not clear - is Media implementing MeterUP?

    Park Mobile is clearly the superior system. MeterUP is comparable but it is set up (in Philly at least) so that rates double if you spend more than the allowable time in that parking space.

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    1. Tedman, I have a background in parking technology, a 15 year resident of Media, and familiar with the current (or recent) parking matters in town. I' would be happy to sit with you for a bit to offer a different perspective.
      Let me know how to reach you if you're interested.

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    2. Thanks for your offer and interest in improving Media's parking situation. You're probably exactly what this towns needs based on your background. Unfortunately, I don't have time to take on another project right now. However, if you'd like to send something to be posted on this blog, or have something you'd want me to take a quick look at, I'd be happy to. tedmano@gmail.com

      Thx, again.

      Tedman

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  2. Tedman......ever think someone on council is getting little finder fee or compensation from these various meter manufacturers. If not it is ridiculous that council is so inept they keep selecting losing propositions. Way to continue to waste money......everyone see how many people are constantly lined up at the electric car charging meter.....pathetic!!!!

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  3. It does make you wonder why is it so hard for media borough to figure out a parking meter program that is beneficial to customers and the borough

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  4. What exactly are the differences between MeterUp and Park Mobile? From the video it seems like the both hit the same major points. App-based payment; extend time from the app; SMS reminder when time is about to end...
    I don't see how choosing one would be great, while choosing the other means, "they still don't get it." Can you clarify the objection to MeterUp versus Park Mobile?

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    1. They are both examples of smart meter technology, not an assessment of one being better than the other. The borough has no idea about these solutions and doesn't have plans to implement - That's the point, they do not understand technology and instead continue to use manual meters that in some cases don't event work (i.e. solar meters, credit card readers).

      After providing examples over the years of the technology, how it's used and real word implementations; Media continues to install iron parking meters. That's what I mean re: "they still don't get it." Furthermore, they can't even reliably maintain and monitor their incident management solution (Publicstuff.com)

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    2. Got it, I thought you were reporting that the borough was considering MeterUp, and it was bad. My misunderstanding.
      Agree, it's past time they actually learn about technology and follow through once implemented. Public stuff has been a joke, it's like there is no one who has it in their job to check the reports and has ths authority to dispatch corrective measures.

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    3. Couldn't it be that the 'new' meters had been planned months or years ago and are just being installed now. (not defending the lack of pro-activeness however)

      Both apps mentioned are the next (current) step. Ultimately can see a QR code scan used to make them run a little smoother.

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  5. Tedman, have you performed a ROI study on the network deployment, maintenance, security and installation costs associated with this technology? As I recall a meter in Media costs $0.25 per half hour. After paying for the installation of these smart meters, the networks to support them, the support team to monitor and support and the ongoing cost of the parking attendant, the rate would likely not support this. Philly can deploy as their parking rates are much higher.

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    1. Isn't that (ROI), or maybe even the "Proof of Concept" really the point of the this blog post/discussion? Yet, here you are raising it with a "blogger" when the questions really should be directed towards your elected officials on how feasible an option like this would be. You were interested enough to comment and raise concerns, so I imagine you feel this is worth further research. Wouldn't you like to know just how much this solution is and whether or not it's too expensive? I'd like to know the ROI of the solar meters on State Street that were placed in areas that didn't have enough sun light! The credit card readers? They haven't worked for month, maybe years; but who on council really cares about that? Obviously, no one.

      As for "...the rate would not likely support this." Maybe it would if Media borough didn't spend tens of thousands of dollars fighting to repair a bridge, only to be found in contempt of court. Or, how about spending $20,000 for a Youtube video that had ZERO ROI. Or, what about paying a gardner $25 per hour, when we have a fully functioning Highway Dept. that does the same thing? Or, how about the consideration of putting $40,000 worth of paint on Media streets to allow for bike lanes (sharrows)?

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  6. according to the International Parking Institute @ parking.org

    Multi-space meters come in one of three varieties: pay-and-display, pay-by-space, and pay-by-plate. Each of these meter types has its own advantages, disadvantages, and unique operating procedures. Ideally, one multi-space meter covers six to 10 (sometimes more) parking spaces. This may be viewed as a benefit to the streetscape while it reduces the amount of equipment in the field requiring service and consolidates revenue collection points.

    Costs
    The initial investment for a basic multi-space meter averages around $8,000 to $10,000, assuming payment by coin and credit card. Other payment options include paper currency, tokens, smartcards, or by cell phone. Adding paper currency increases the cost by several thousand dollars and increases maintenance costs. Because of these issues, this option is generally not recommended.

    Ongoing operating costs should be considered. The most significant cost is a monthly fee to maintain data communications and a hosted management system to monitor each meter. This fee varies, but is generally $50 to $60 per meter per month. Receipts for multi-space meters typically come in a roll, and more will be used with the pay-and-display options. Meter batteries have a typical three-year life when operating in a solar configuration. Other costs include street signage to direct users to the meter.

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  7. Tedman what has the ROI on the car charging station been. I've never seen anyone use it.

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    1. You would have to ask the company that owns and operates the charging station, Community Energy, Inc.

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    2. Wow Community Energy, Inc owns a parking space in Media. I did not realize for profit private business could buy parking spaces from Media Boro. What is the procedure I would love to buy a parking spot and make it mine.

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  8. @Anon 8/17 2:20-

    Using those stats and a generous evaluation as follows:

    2700 Parking Spaces
    Using the upper end of the ratio, 10 spaces per meter
    Using the low end of the cost 8k per install
    Using the low end of the Monthly Cost 50$

    Costs
    Installation ~ $2.16 MM
    Annual Service ~ $162K
    Parking Cops ~ $100K

    Income
    Parking Fees - ~$450K (Doubled the last figure available from 2002)
    Fines - ~$100K (Doubled the last figure available from 2002)

    Annual Revenue - $550K
    Annual Overhead - $262K

    Paydown of initial investment - 7.5 Years


    Generous Assumptions trying to make it work:
    Assumes 0% financing
    Does not account for battery replacement costs (every 3 years)
    Does not account for service on meters (refilling receipt paper, damaged machines so on)

    So at a high level, no, not really worth it since there is not a major problem with the current meters. I have never encountered a broken meter in media.


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  9. I'm not a fan of parking meters, but they also serve the purpose of turn over and keeping people from squatting there indefinitely. Not sure what the value of that is to the businesses and residents of Media, but that's something to consider.

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  10. Their shall be no backsliding

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